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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220404 - CC MinutesSign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes Hastings, Minnesota City Council Meeting Minutes April 4, 2022 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, April 4, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota. Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Braucks, Folch, Fox, Leifeld, Lund and Vaughan Members Absent: None Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh City Attorney Kori Land Community Development Director John Hinzman Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Ryan Stempski Approval of Minutes Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the regular City Council meeting and Council Workshop on March 21, 2022. Minutes were approved as presented. Consent Agenda 1. Pay Bills as Audited 2. Resolution: Accept Donation from Dakota Electric Association for the Parks and Recreation Department’s 2022 Annual Safety Camp 3. Approve Special Event Designation – MN Fire Engines Club – Pumpers on the Mississippi 4. Approve Special Event Designation – Downtown Business Association (DBA) –Historic Hastings Car Shows 5. Approve Sidewalk Café for 2nd Street Depot Bar & Grill 6. Approve Joint Powers Agreement: Shared Recycling Coordinator with Cities of Rosemount and Farmington 7. Authorize Signature: 2nd Amendment to Master Development Agreement – Wallin 8. Resolution: Approve Massage Therapy Establishment License for Amanda Kaeding, Traveling Hands, LLC 9. Resolution: Approve Massage Therapy Establishment License for Natalie Briones, Envision Therapy 10. Resolution: Re-Approve Precincts 11. Storage container loan to Carpenter Nature Center 12. Resolution: Supporting Application for Community Project Funding for FY 2023 Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Folch. Ayes 7; Nays 0. Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes Public Hearing, 2022 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements Stempski presented a summary of the 2022 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements Assessments. The proposed plan has five impacted areas. Stempski reviewed the total project cost breakdown and stated the City hired a third-party independent appraiser to evaluate. Appraisers send their reports to City Staff who then use the report information to establish rates. Stempski reviewed the recommended assessment rates for each of the five impacted areas within this project. Stempski provided Council with an assessment example and provided additional information on the assessment abatements or financial aid offered for this project for those who qualify. Stempski also provided additional financial aid options for senior citizens, disabled, or military persons that may be eligible. Mayor Fasbender opened the public hearing at 7:19 PM. Mike Zappa – 1000 5th Street West Mr. Zappa asked how often do residents have to pay the fifty-dollar fee and who it is paid to. Stempski clarified that the fifty-dollar payment is a one-time payment. Mr. Zappa asked how he can access information to help assist him to learn about financial aid. There was concern regarding the length of the project and specifically what was going to be replaced throughout the project. Councilmember Lund clarified the financial aid assistance options for residents effected by this project. Scott Blaney – 1165 Teal Way Mr. Blaney asked clarifying questions on certain costs, and questioned how these improvements would affect their property value. Stempski helped provide clarification on Mr. Blaney’s questions. Lori Mikel – 1157 Sherman Way Ms. Mikel asked if the interest rate would be locked in or if it would change within the economy. Ms. Mikel questioned how long the project would affect their area and how the roads are assessed, Stempski clarified the proposed timeline of the project and helped provide explanation to how the roadways are assessed. Sherry Litz – 3533 Village Trail Ms. Litz expressed her surprise at the project in the area of Village Trail. Ms. Litz asked when the current road was put in and how long does the City expect the road to last before having to replace again and if additional improvements are being made to help it last longer. Mr. Litz expressed concern regarding accessibility with the County Road 46 project as well. Stempski clarified that the current roadway is approaching twenty years. Stempski stated the hope is to get another twenty years or more out of the new project. Ms. Litz questioned the water main and sewer lifetime. Stempski provided an explanation and explained minor improvements with Fire Hydrants as well. Ms. Litz questioned if the improvements include medians to help control traffic flow better. Ms. Mikel asked if it were possible to add in additional speed limit signs. Stempski commented on the process to collect data for these areas and projects so the City can understand where issues of excessive speed occur. Royce Anderson – 1237 13th Street Mr. Anderson commented on the assessment he was given. He stated he was assessed for more property than he thought he would be. Stempski responded with the specifics on how the assessments were completed. Mr. Anderson asked if it would be possible to move the barricade on the end of his property to gain additional parking spaces. Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes Clifton Bolden – 1101 Park Lane Mr. Bolden expressed concern on the equipment used for these improvement projects and the safety of the area throughout construction. Stempski explained how the contractors use areas to park, and assured Mr. Bolden that the City would work hard to maintain safety throughout the duration of the project. Mr. Bolden asked if the City pays any amount of the fees associated with the project for City owned property. Ryan Karl – 3121 Teal Court Mr. Karl asked if the fifth area would affect the easements on residential property specifically any sodding that may be damaged. Stempski explained the reclaimed project specifics and how replacement sections would proceed stating that about three feet behind the back of the curb is needed. Mr. Karl questioned how certain sections of curbing in front of his home would be replaced. Mr. Karl asked what year the property values were taken from before the appraisals were done. Stempski clarified the information is based off of the value of the property entirely with the appraisal reports from 2021 and 2022. Mr. Karl raised concern about how the appraisal for his property was equated. Mayor Fasbender closed the public hearing at 8:01 PM. Council discussion on the irregular lot on 13th Street. Vaughan commented on the concerns the residents raised and expressed appreciation for their comments and questions. Vaughan praised the Public Works department for their work on this project. Vaughan asked that we follow up with each resident that has expressed concern. Councilmember Lund echoed Vaughan’s comments regarding the irregular lot on 13th Street. Lund asked what percentage is bonded and what percentage is assessed for a project. Stempski clarified that seventy percent is community responsibility and thirty percent is the homeowner responsibility. Councilmember Leifeld commented on the objection to the assessment on 13th Street from Mr. Anderson. Leifeld empathized with the resident’s concerns but brought the attention to the necessity of these projects. Councilmember Braucks echoed comments from other Councilmembers. Braucks empathized to concerns and commented on the betterment of this project to our community. Councilmember Fox credited our Public Works department for their work within this project. Fox asked Stempski to define the difference between reconstructing and reclaiming. Stempski raised attention to the benefits of reclaiming and investing in the best products for long term benefit. Fox raised attention to the necessity of additional speed regulation signs. Mayor Fasbender extended gratitude to residents and Public Works and assured continued support from City Staff with residents throughout the process. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Fox. Ayes 7; Nays 0. Award of Contract, 2022 Mill & Overlay Program Stempski provided an overview about the 2022 Mill & Overlay Program. The five bids received were competitive, and noted the bituminous raw material was about 32% higher than last year. Stempski recommended the award of contract to Minnesota Paving & Materials, in the amount of $452,751.93. Councilmember Lund motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Braucks. Ayes 7; Nays 0. Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes Public Hearing, Amend City Charter Ordinance – Section 1.03: Ward Boundaries Murtaugh presented a summary of the Ordinance Amendment Section 1.03: Ward Boundaries. The amendment is in response to the 2020 Census figures. Murtaugh noted a recent annexation was inadvertently omitted in the initial map provided to Council. Murtaugh clarified the omitted area does not impact the Ward Boundary language. Murtaugh extended appreciation to the Charter Commission and Staff for their work. Mayor Fasbender opened the public hearing at 8:30 pm, and hearing no comments closed the public hearing was closed at 8:31 pm. Councilmember Lund motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. Ayes 7; Nays 0. 2nd Reading and Adoption of City Code Amendment – Chapter 51.05G – Water Conservation Stempski provided a summary of the ordinance adoption of the amendment to Hastings City Code Chapter 51.05G – Water Conservation. Stempski provided background information pertaining to the drought experienced in 2021. Stempski and City Staff had many discussions with the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Health, and Peer Communities. This amendment is in an act of being proactive for preserving our resources. Stempski clarified the exemption for new lawns extending the exemption from one week to two weeks. Council discussion on last year droughts as well as water rate increase. Vaughan commented on educating residents for one additional year to move towards best practices. Folch thanked staff for the proactive recommendation. Folch commented on the necessity for these changes and provide consistency within these restrictions. Leifeld clarified the proposed changes to the ordinance and questioned the meaning behind the new language used. Stempski provided clarification on how the new language sets up the explanation of the following language within the ordinance. Leifeld agreed with moving toward best practices. Land provided clarification on when certain activities are prohibited. Mayor Fasbender expressed concern on how the community will be notified of these changes. Stempski provided the next steps which includes approval of the ordinance, update our City website, mailers, door hangers, etc. Braucks asked about the exemption for new sod and how it was decided that two weeks was enough time. Stempski provided explanation on receiving requests from residents for an extension to be sufficient. Braucks asked who would enforce the new ordinance. Stempski stated it would act similarly as the odd – even enforcement. Stempski provided further explanation for the steps staff would take upon observing any non-compliance. Lund questioned if education would be effective if we did not implement watering restrictions into our ordinances. Lund expressed the need to create good habits and awareness for residents in these next few years. Vaughan raised concern for residents that may work uncommon hours where those hours may be when those residents choose to tend to their lawn. Councilmember Folch motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Fox. Ayes 6, Nays 1 – Councilmember Vaughan 1st Reading - Administrative Citations Hinzman presented an introduction to the City Code Amendment – Administrative Citations. Hinzman stated the goals of these proposed amendments. Attorney Land provided an overview of the proposed Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes ordinance amendments. These proposed amendments create an administrative process to enforce certain nuisance code violations. Land provided an example for Council addressing the steps that will be taken if a complaint was received. Land defined abatement relative to the proposed citations and provided a situation of which an Administrative Citation will be presented to the resident. Land reviewed the proposed citation penalties in relation to violations. Land reviewed the definition and situations of a potentially dangerous dog. Council discussion on the benefits of shifting from criminal citations to administrative citations. Lund raised awareness to the benefits to these changes. Land provided an overview to the current criminal process and how administrative citations provide a better efficient way to address these situations. Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Folch. Ayes 7; Nays 0. Site Plan, Public Works Storage Building (1225 Progress Drive) Hinzman presented a summary of the site plan #2022-26 for the Public Works Storage Building. Hinzman stated the Planning Commission reviewed the site plan and motioned to approve. Council discussion on the opposition from one of the Planning Commissioners. Hinzman provided an explanation of the opposition of the site plan due to concerns of storm water drainage. Councilmember Folch motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Fox. Ayes 7; Nays 0. Budget Amendment to Support Building Inspection Services Wietecha presented a summary of the budget amendment to support Building Inspection Services for the City. Wietecha commented on the new developments coming to the City just this year, and expressed the concern for the workload it will provide to staff. Wietecha proposed the budget amendment to be able to hire additional staff, propose a modest wage increase with a retention bonus. Wietecha commented on the awareness to the current compensation study which will be completed this summer as well as ensuring we recognize the need to propose wage increases to current staff. Wietecha shared the current workload staff already has which highlights the need for additional staff. Council discussion on the proposed 3% staff increase. Vaughan commented on how the applicable fees would counteract the cost of this amendment. Braucks stated this item would be a great item for the Administration Committee to review initially before these items are brought to Council. Braucks questioned the costs implemented within these changes for the year 2022 and forward. Wietecha provided explanation emphasizing the need for 2022 and included these new developments will prove to need additional staff. Lund expressed the need for these items to go to the Committee initially as well as waiting to review this amendment until the compensation study is completed. Wietecha expressed his understanding with completing the compensation study prior to proposing the budget amendment. Wietecha expressed concern regarding retention to continue to support current staff. Folch supported the staff recommendations and agreed that consistency for staff wages is important. Folch expressed the difficulties other municipalities are experiencing trying to fill these positions. Leifeld asked for clarification on the competitive range. Leifeld questioned what happens with the 3% increase. Wietecha explained the 3% would increase the entire range and recognized the competitiveness of the current environment. Leifeld provided a personal example on how these raises can shift the top tiers. Leifeld questioned if these raises would be possibly granted upon performance review. Wietecha Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes clarified the current proposal is for acting on right now, not upon performance review. Leifeld raised concern with consistency. Vaughan agreed that administration should hire an additional inspector through this season but revisit after the compensation study is completed. Lund expressed concern that the compensation study needs to be completed prior to these continued discussions. Leifeld questioned who building inspectors, building officials, and senior permit technician report to and asked if all these positions get an increase in wages of 3%. Wietecha expressed his appreciation for the concern of consistency. Fox expressed concern that this needed to go before the Administration Committee. Fox is concerned that there could be issues with getting inspections done that could cause a halt to development. Mayor Fasbender commented on the urgent need for an additional inspector to be able to support our staff. Vaughan clarified the motion on the floor. Councilmember Fox motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lund. Ayes 5; Nays 2 – Vaughan, Leifeld. Providing for Competitive Negotiated Sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022A Tammy Omdal, Northland Securities, presented the proposed sale date as May 2, 2022 for $6.8M General Obligation Improvement Bonds. The bonds are for financing the 2022 street improvements project, water tower reconditioning project, and storage building project for Public Works. Omdal spoke about estimated interest rates. Omdal cautioned Council on the challenging market in regards to the possible interest rate. Omdal reviewed the process that will take place upon the bonds proposed sale date. Council discussion on the bond rating. Vaughan questioned if our bond rate is affected by how often the City asks for the rate, comparing to credit scores. Omdal clarified bond rates are rated for specific bond series, it would have no negative effect on the City. Vaughan commented on last year’s rate, asking if we can bond additional funds based on the rate received. Omdal clarified that we cannot bond additional funds due to the bids being based on a specific amount. Omdal clarified the breakdown of a premium bid. Folch questioned last year’s specific bond rate. Omdal responded that rates have significantly increased compared to last year and clarified how bonds are affected by term as well. Councilmember Folch motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Fox. Ayes 7; Nays 0. Announcements • Councilmember Folch reported that the Arts Task Force has been meeting every other week since January and will be recommending a Commission structure. They have a goal of the end of May to present Charter documents and staffing plan ideas. • Councilmember Folch reported that the Dakota County Board has advised that the County withdraw from Dakota Broad Band and will be meeting again on April 13, 2022. • Free Document Shredding for Dakota County residents on Saturday, April 9th • Spring Cleanup curbside and drop-off options Monday, April 11 – Friday, April 22 • On Friday, April 5, volunteer with the Hastings Parks Department to plant a tree in celebration of Arbor Day. 1 pm at the Hastings River Flats. • Deadline: April 15 for musicians to apply to be part of Make Music Day on June 21. The application form is on the City website. • United Way of Hastings will be hosting a 3-session series on Fentanyl Awareness on April 26, May 3, and May 10. Info at United Way of Hastings.